Burnout in Sickle Cell Disease-Focused Hematology-Oncology Trained Physicians: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Burnout is associated with physician attrition, medical errors, and decreased productivity. Up to 45% of hematology-oncology physicians in the U.S. report burnout. However, burnout rates among hematologists-oncologists specializing in the care of persons with sickle cell disease (SCD) are unknown. The complex, high-acuity nature of SCD along with systemic barriers may put SCD providers at high risk. We compared burnout prevalence between SCD and non-SCD physicians. We conducted a nationwide survey of U.S. hematology-oncology physicians assessing burnout, grit, resilience, and career characteristics. Respondents self-identified as SCD-focused (n=55) or non-SCD-focused (n=104). Between-group comparisons used Chi-square/Fisher's exact and t-tests/Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic regression evaluated confounders. Burnout was more prevalent among SCD physicians than non-SCD focused physicians (60% vs 44%, p=0.046) despite similar grit and resilience. Work hours were similar between groups, but SCD physicians participated less in recreational activities (45% vs 59% ≥2 times/week, p=0.006), expressed less job pride (47% vs 65% strongly agreed, p=0.031), and were more likely to earn < $350,000 annually (64% vs 40%, p=0.005). They also had more years in practice, and more often worked in academia or leadership roles (all p<0.05). Recreation and job pride mediated burnout in SCD physicians. SCD physicians experience higher burnout than non-SCD physicians in the overall field of hematology-oncology despite comparable grit and resilience. Less recreation and job pride may impact burnout in SCD physicians. This suggests that higher burnout in SCD physicians may be driven by systemic factors that disproportionately affect those who care for persons with SCD.